Merry Christmas

We had such a wonderful Christmas this year!! The kids are at such fun ages and our lives are not so dictated by naps, diaper changes, and similar such...so it just makes it easier since we have a little flexibility and its easier to get out of the house and enjoy all the festivities.  In all of our busy-ness, we weren't going to make a trip to Santa since the boys had already seen him twice through various activities but G1 hadn't had the opportunity yet and felt like it was a safer move for her to get in a quick visit to let Santa know she had cowgirl boots on her Christmas list.  So, off to the North Pole we went.  All three kiddos enjoyed Santa but W was too intent on talking to Kris Kringle to look at the camera.

G2 with the Big Guy

Santa did not disappoint.

On Christmas Eve, we headed to the Children's service at our church.  G1 had been asked to play Mary again.  And somehow, even after rowdy sheep behavior, G2 was asked to be a sheep again.  With his Big Brother W as the shepherd in charge of him.  Yeah, that was a disaster that us parents could see coming and I tried to warn the pastor in charge.....but my concerns were brushed aside.  This time we didn't just have a rowdy sheep, we had a long jumping sheep who was leaping off the altar....repeatedly. Through the entire re-enactment of the Christmas story. I wasn't sure exactly what to do because a mother running up and carrying the sheep off the stage is not exactly the serene Christmas experience the church members are looking for at a Christmas eve service.  So he continued to jump.   People claim it was "cute" and although I was embarrassed, I must admit, it was pretty funny to see a little sheep leaping in the air while the other kids sat and tried to be uber-respectful and solemn.  Although we have a lot of fun with Santa and our Elf on the shelf and holiday activities, it is really important to us that our kids understand the true, non-material side of Christmas.  We talk a lot about the birth of Jesus and try to do self-less acts for others who might not have the same opportunities we do.  I think we have struck a nice balance between the fun traditions and the serious, very meaningful reasons behind the Christmas holidays. 

One Christmas day, we spent the entire day as a family.  It was so wonderful.  We relaxed all morning around the tree, ate a late breakfast, played our new Wii game, went sledding, and then came home to some Chicken noodle soup.  Ahh, the memories are forever etched in my mind.  Merry Christmas!!!

G1 is pretty excited about her guitar.